Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G vs Poco M5: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Xiaomi's Poco series consistently delivers impressive value, and the M4 Pro 5G and M5 are no exception. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right one for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M4 Pro 5G takes the lead thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and 5G connectivity. However, the Poco M5 offers a slightly more refined design and potentially better gaming performance due to the Helio G99. Ultimately, the M4 Pro 5G provides a more well-rounded experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Xiaomi Poco M5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India-
Launch
Announced2021, November 092022, September 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 11Available. Released 2022, September 13
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistant-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 100% in 59 min18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPoco Yellow, Power Black, Cool BlueBlack, Green, Yellow
Models21091116AG, MZB0BGVIN22071219CG
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 100 EUR
SAR1.07 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)1.04 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.59 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)0.52 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 121h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1553:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: 1363:1
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) -27.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 296721 (v8), 353663 (v9) GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 386311 (v9) GeekBench: 1896 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G

  • Faster 33W Charging
  • Brighter Display (510 nits)
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Good Overall Performance

  • Potentially less optimized gaming performance than M5
  • Design may feel less premium

Xiaomi Poco M5

  • Potentially better gaming performance (Helio G99)
  • Slightly more refined design
  • Competitive price

  • Slower 18W Charging
  • Lower peak brightness (448 nits)
  • No 5G

Display Comparison

The Poco M4 Pro 5G boasts a higher peak brightness of 510 nits compared to the Poco M5's 448 nits, resulting in better visibility outdoors. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (1553:1 and 1363:1 respectively), delivering vibrant colors. The M4 Pro 5G's display is generally considered superior due to the higher brightness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature similar camera setups, but image processing and software optimization can vary. The Poco M4 Pro 5G likely offers slightly better video recording capabilities due to the Dimensity 810's ISP. Real-world camera performance will depend on individual preferences and shooting conditions. Detailed camera reviews are recommended for a deeper dive.

Performance

The Poco M4 Pro 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 810, known for its good overall performance and 5G capabilities. The Poco M5 features the Mediatek Helio G99, which is often praised for its gaming performance. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Helio G99's GPU gives it a slight edge in graphically intensive tasks. However, the Dimensity 810's 5G modem is a significant advantage.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life with endurance ratings of 123h. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G's 33W charging is significantly faster than the Poco M5's 18W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging, a brighter screen, and 5G connectivity. The Poco M5 is a great choice for those seeking a slightly more premium feel and potentially better gaming performance without needing 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Poco M4 Pro 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The brighter display is also a plus. However, if you primarily game and don't need 5G, the Poco M5 offers excellent value.
❓ Which chipset is better, Dimensity 810 or Helio G99?
The Dimensity 810 offers better overall performance and 5G capabilities. The Helio G99 is often favored for its gaming performance due to its GPU.